By Dr. Lori Hart, Director of Educational Initiatives, Holmes Murphy Fraternal Practice
I’ve had the opportunity to experience sorority and fraternity life through many different lenses: as a member, undergraduate officer, alumna, Foundation donor, regional officer, international officer, campus professional, speaker, trainer, consultant, national fraternity staff member, and even as staff for an insurance broker. I liked to think I had seen it all—until my son joined a fraternity. Suddenly, I had a whole new, refreshing perspective on a world I thought I knew.
I’ll be honest, I was hesitant. Not because I don’t love fraternal organizations, but because my son was a second-semester freshman on a full Army ROTC scholarship looking to join a fraternity. I assumed the Army fellowship would be enough—but I was wrong. As a freshman in college, he was seeking a bit more fellowship, social connection, and fun—things ROTC simply doesn’t provide.
He joined his fraternity, got initiated, and one week later became Risk Manager. For someone expecting a social experience, he quickly realized he was managing the fun. He served his term, and then ran for office again, this time as Philanthropy Chairman, because he wanted the fraternity to make an even greater impact in the community. As someone who understands the “product,” I couldn’t be happier with his experience.
Last week, I hugged my son as he returned for the spring semester. A full year of fraternity life behind him. As we talked about the upcoming semester, it was clear that much of his plans and excitement centered around his fraternity: events he was looking forward to, spring break with his brothers, and a philanthropy week he was organizing. Of course, there were things he wasn’t looking forward to…like recruitment. And he got a quick pep talk on the importance of recruiting the next generation.
I hugged him, shed a few tears, and sent him from his home where he grew up to his college “home.” By definition, his home is now a university he loves, ROTC, and a residence with fellow cadets—but it was clear in our conversation that the “home” where he spends his volunteer time and pours his energy is his fraternity.
What a privilege it is to be in the business of building these fraternity “homes.” This is the place where parents entrust their children as they transition into adulthood. These physical and metaphorical homes provide young people a space to grow up, form lifelong friendships, network for internships and jobs, have fun, and figure out the next stage of life.
What a privilege we all share—to help build these “homes” for young people. Thank you for being a home builder.
Our team at Holmes Murphy is proud of the work we do to protect fraternal homes, literally and figuratively. If we can ever be of assistance in helping protect your home, please reach out.
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